What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Gloydius Blomhoffii Snake Bite
• Japanese Mamushi Snake Bite
• Qichun Snake Bite

What is Mamushi Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The Mamushi (Gloydius blomhoffii) is a fairly common and well-documented venomous snake that is found in mainland Japan (on all four islands) and to some extent in Russia. The snake belongs to the subspecies of pit vipers, family Viperidae. Pit vipers are termed so, due to the presence of certain heat-sensing organs located in a recess/notch between their eyes and nostrils
• The Mamushi is a nocturnal reptile that hunts a variety of animals including frogs, lizards, fish, and rodents. It is a nocturnal reptile that is found in open woodlands and forests, meadows and grasslands, marshes and swamps, and low mountain sides and rock foothills. This land-dwelling snake is also known to climb small trees and plants, and can camouflage very well among foliage and leaf litter
• The Mamushi can grow from less than 1.5 to about 3 feet in length. The snake has a medium to heavy body with a short tapering tail. The head of the snake is broad, flat, triangular-shaped, and distinct from its neck. The head of the snake is dark-colored with gray or beige sides. The body of the snake is generally red-brown, yellow-brown, to gray, with irregular patterns (light centers and dark borders)
• Human contact with the snake is very common in the endemic regions. Mamushi Snake Bites can cause moderate to severe envenomation (venom injection) and result in possible deaths without early treatment. The venom is a potent mix of neurotoxins and hemotoxins that can cause variable symptoms in the victims
• The signs and symptoms of Mamushi Snake Bite may include severe localized effects such as pain at the bite site, swelling, and blistering. Systemic symptoms may include severe tissue necrosis, shock, flaccid paralysis, low blood pressure, and renal damage. Without suitable treatment, deaths have been reported from the complications that develop
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment for Mamushi Snake Bites. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include pain medication, wound care, intravenous fluid administration, blood transfusion, and respiratory support, as needed. The prognosis of the condition with prompt and effective therapy is usually good. It is informed that prolonged treatment (about a week or more) may be necessary in many cases of Mamushi Snake Bites